Oscar Barreda, Sr., of El Paso, TX, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on July 12, 2024. He turned 101, on June 3. Born in Thisbe, Nevada, he was raised in El Paso. He attended Cathedral High School and after graduation in 1942, joined the US Coast Guard. He served in the WW II Atlantic combat theatre, performing duties of Radioman, Third Class (Operator), aboard destroyers serving convoy duties. After the war, he returned to El Paso where he pursued his education in aerospace electronics. Oscar’s career included missile systems engineering at White Sands Missile Range, Douglas Aircraft Co., and McDonnell Douglas, Santa Monica, Ca. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the California State University, Dominguez Hills while continuing with Electronic Engineering at Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon Inc., and the Boeing Corporation from where he retired.
During his time at Cathedral, he was active in Band, the Pep Club, Football, as well as playing on the 1941 and 1942, Texas State Champion Basketball Team. As an alumni, he had a special affection for his Cathedral Irish, who he supported though alumni activities, especially Los Que Van Quedando, of which he was a founding member.
Oscar cherished his membership in the Knights of Columbus, serving the community for many years. He was enrolled as a Fourth Degree Knight, at St. Joseph Church, in 1960. He also volunteered for public service, serving underprivileged families, especially with finances and tax returns through Project Bravo. He also volunteered with the State of Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department. In 2006, he was presented with the Seed Award from the Diocese of El Paso.
Oscar married the love of his life, Mary, in 1952, and recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Mary H., Children: Oscar Jr., Louis Robert and daughter-in-law Vicky Marie, Edward Fernando, and Cynthia Yvonne and Lara; Grandchildren: Jason, Aaron, Christine, Ryan, Natalie and grandson-in-law Ryan, Shane and Nicki; Great- grandchildren: twins Katie and Brooke, Abel and Silas. He was preceded in death by his father, Epifanio, mother, Amelia and brothers, Fernando Barreda and Humberto Serrano.
Services will be held at Martin Funeral Home, 128 Resler Dr, 79912. The viewing will be Monday, July 22, 2024, from 5-8:00PM with a Rosary starting at 7:00PM. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 12:30 PM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 W. Sunset Road, 79922 following by interment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be sent to Cathedral High School Scholarship program, “In memory of Oscar Barreda, Sr. Class of 1942.” (Link can be found on the web: "Cathedral High School Give" https://www.cathedral-elpaso.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=651674&type=d&pREC_ID=1107684)
